Columbus, OH – The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) has announced the appointment of Travis Ricketts as Ohio State Manager of AFPI-Ohio, marking an expansion of the organization’s efforts in the Buckeye State as it works to advance and codify the America First agenda in state legislatures nationwide.
Ricketts brings extensive experience in public policy and government relations. He previously served as Majority Policy Advisor to two Speakers of the Ohio House of Representatives, where he managed legislative priorities across seven committees and advised on 249 bills, with 50 ultimately enacted into law. He also serves as Chair of the Pickaway County Republican Party and as Central Ohio Regional Representative to the state GOP.
“I am honored to join America First Policy Institute and carry this mission forward in Ohio,” Ricketts said in a statement. “AFPI is doing some of the most important policy work in the country — helping states transform America First principles into permanent policy that protects families and strengthens communities. Ohio has always punched above its weight in shaping the direction of this nation, and I look forward to working shoulder to shoulder with members of the Ohio legislature to build on the wins we’ve already achieved and deliver even more.”
Stephanie Whitt, AFPI’s Chief State Action and Engagement Officer, praised the appointment.
“Travis Ricketts is exactly the kind of seasoned, results-driven leader AFPI needs on the ground in Ohio,” Whitt said. “His deep relationships at the Statehouse, his record of turning policy priorities into enacted law, and his roots in Ohio politics make him uniquely positioned to lead our efforts in the state.”
Ricketts is a lifelong Ohioan originally from Ashville. In addition to his government relations work — including serving as a policy advisor to the Republican Caucus of the Ohio House under former Speaker Jason Stephens — he ran as a candidate for Pickaway County Recorder in the March 2024 Republican primary.
He was educated at the Pontifical College Josephinum and Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.
AFPI officials say the organization’s growing footprint in Ohio reflects a broader strategy of expanding state-level engagement to advance policy priorities across the country.
